Concentrate-preparing machine.



T. J. LOVETT.

CONCENTRATE PREPARING MACHINE. APPLlCATlON FILED NOV. I4, 1912. RENEWED JAN. 20, 1916. 1,175,782.

a SHEETSSHEE'T I.

Patented Mar. 14, 1916.

fiflefir. flam as flayzif T. l. LOVETT.

CONCENTRATE PREPARING APPUCATION HLED NOV-14 1912- REN 1,175,782.

, 1916. Patented Mar. 14:, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2- MACHINE. EWED JAN 20 C04, WASHNUTON PLANDGRAPH w 3 N RN n mm. w m WW6 um T. J. LOVETT. v CONCENTRATE PREPARING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 14. 1912. RENEWED JAN-20,1916.

1,175,782. Patented Mar. 14,1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

52;; I 22351 zzfl @QZZ ml; 22% 56% @111 E0] E Z Baez 1%77 NET I THOMAS J. LOVETT, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR. TO COPPER, PROCESS COMPANY,

' OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA.

CONCENTRATE-PEEPARING MACHINE.

- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. i i, 1916.

Application filed November 14, 1912, Serial No. 731,455 Renewed January 20, 1916. Serial lilo. 73,182.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, THOMAS J. Lovn'rr, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Concentrate-Preparing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates particularly to a concentratepreparing machine, adapted to produce a granular concentrate and reduce the more friable gangue to a finely pulverulent condition, thus enabling the concentrate to be readily separated from the gangue. Such a machine is especially valuable for use in treating ores containing metals in fine, flaky particles. VYhen such ores are treated, according to the standard methods now in use, by a stamping operation, much of the gangue is reduced to a slime, and at the sameitime the fine metal particles are freed from the rocky matrix in a condition closely approaching a slime, so that the metal particles will, in an effort to effect separation, float off with the slimes and thus be, lost in the tailings.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide amachine of simple, durable construction and of high capacity which will operate upon a different principle from the mills now in standard use for treating ores of the character above referred to, and which ill so prepare the concentrates or minerals, while reducing the gangue to a finely pulverulent form, as to enable the minerals to be readily separated from the gangue by any approved concentrating device.

A further obiect is to greatly reduce the cost of installation of mills for treating ores of the character referred to, and also to effect a large economy in milling opera-' tions. I

It may be stated here that in the Lake Superior region there are known to exist vast bodies of ores containing free copper in fine. flaky condition. When such ore is reduced by the ordinary stamping process now universally employed. the fine metal particles are freed from the matrix, very much of the gangue is reduced to the form of a slime, and the fine particles or minute scales of copper so closely approach the form of a slime that it is impossible to effect a high degree of saving, inasmuch as the metal particles will, in the effort to effect concentration, float off with the slimes and be lost in the tailings. The present invention obviates this difficulty, the improved machine herewith illustrated serving, while reducing the gangue to a finely pulverulent condition, to at the same time prepare or keep the concentrate in granular, slug or pellet form, so that it will readily sink in water, while the pulverulent gansgue will be carried away with the water in the washing process.

The invention is illustrated in its preferred embodiment in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 represents a plan view of a concentratepreparing machine constructed in accordance with my invention; Fig. 2, an enlarged sectional view taken as indicated at line 2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a plan view showing a lower rotary disk employed, with part of the sector-shaped wearing-plates thereof removed, this view showing also the bearings for the frame of the upper reciprocating pressure-plate employed; Fig. 4, a broken sectional view showing a disk equipped with an adjustable wrist-pin, or crank; Fig. 5, a broken section taken as in dicated at line 5 of Fig. l; and Fig. 6, a view of a modified form of one ofthe floating sections of the upper pressure-plate.

The invention is embodied, in the form illustrated, in a machine comprising a frame or base A; a rotary disk B: and a surmounting reciprocable member or pressure-plate C.

The disk B and member C are referably disposed in horizontal planes. The ore is fed through a central opening in the reciprocating member C and is rolled between the lower surface of the member C and the upper surface of the member B. Thus, it will be understood that the member Cl serves both as a distributing member and as a pressure-member.

In the illustration given, the member B comprises a circular base-portion 1 and surinounting, removable, sector-shaped wearplates The member 1 has its central portion provided with a hub 3 which carries an overhanging flange 4; having a beveled lower surface. The member 1 is also provided at its periphery with an upturned flange 5. The sectors 2 are provided at their inner points, orv apices, with beveled lugs 6 which fit beneath the overhanging flange 1; and the sectors areprovided near their curved Outer edges with depending flanges 7 which fit within the flange 5.

The revoluble disk B has its base-portion fitted with a central postor stud 8 carried by a bearing 9. The post 8 serves to center the revoluble member; and the revoluble member is supported by'conical rollers 10 carried by standards or bearings 11 and engaging an annular beveled track or rib 12 with which the member 1 is provided on its lower side. The member 1 is further provided with a bevel gear 13 which meshes with a bevel pinion 1 1 ona horizontally-disposed shaft 15 whose outer end is journaled in a bearing 16.

Beneath the peripheral portion of the rotary member B is located an annular trough 17 whose bottom inclines to a point 18 where is provided a'discharge-chute 19, through which the gangue containing the prepared concentrates is discharged, ready for passage through a sluice, or over tables, orany other suitable concentrating device.

The reciprocable distributor and pressure-member C preferably comprises a hexagonal frame 20 having projecting guidemembers 21 movable in bearings 22; and floating plate-sections 23, 23 and 23 confined within the hexagonal frame 20. The central plate-section 23 has a perimeter of hexagonal form and has upwardly convergent edges forming said perimeter. The plate-sections 23 are preferably six in number, conforming to the perimeter of the member 23. The plate-sections 23 have inwardly and upwardly sloping inner and outer edges. The plate-sections 23 are preferably six in number and have their inner edges sloping inwardlyand upwardly. The inner edges are of angle forn1that is, are formed with reentrant angles 24 which conform to the angles of the perimeter formed 7 by the outer edges of the plate-sections 23. Thus, the joints 25 between the plate-sections 23' are staggered with relation to the joints 26 between the plate-sections 23 The series of plate-sections are separated from each other by spaces 27, as shown in Fig. 2, thus providing for. independent movement of the plate-sections, according to necessity, in the operation of the machine. The joints between the segments 2 of the wear-plates on the disk B are made tight in any suitable'manner, as by the use of solder; and the purpose of staggering the joints 25 with relation to the joints 26 is to prevent any materials from working along the joints and reaching the periphery -To enable the action just described to take place, the lower surface 28 of the reciprocable member C is substantially flat, and

the upper surface of the rotary member B,

afforded by the wear-plates2, is correspondingly flat, thus providing for such close contact as'will enable the concentrate, however small the pieces,to be rolled into granular form, while the gangue is reduced, by con stant attrition of the upper and lower plates, as well as by mutual attrition of the pieces upon each other, to finely pulveru lent condition. 7 V

The central section 23 of the member G is provided with a vertical perforation or feed-channel 29 provided at its lower end. with a flaring or frusto-conical. orifice 30 and equipped at its upper end with an elongated funnel or chute 31. Above the funnel 31 is a tube or ore-chute 32 adapted to deliver ore to the funnel. A water-supply pipe 33 has its discharge end adapted to deliver water to the funnel 31. Said pipe is equipped with a valve 34 adapted to control V the amount of water delivered to the machine. The plate-sections 23 are recessed on their upper surfaces as indicated at 3-5, and adapted to receive weights 36. The \plate-sections 23 are also equipped on their upper surfaces with loops or rings 3? adapted to serve as means for lifting or moving the plate-sections. The plate-sections 23 are provided on their upper sur-' faces with recesses 38 adapted to receive weights 39. Loops or handles {10 are also provided to enable the plate-sections tobe removed. The weights 39 are preferably much heavier than the weights 36 when it is desirable to provide for greater pressure per square inch at the outer. plate-sections than is provided for at the intermediate plate-sections or the inner plate-section. The purpose in such case is to provide for a very gradual reduction of the ore-lumps,

and finally for the reduction of the gangue to a finely pulverulent condition under the outer plate-sections, where a wider distribution of the materials and the finer granulation thereof occurs. It is under the outer plate-sections, in accordance with the preferred construction, that the final completion of the pellet-rolling action upon the minerals or concentrates is effected, the final reduction of the gangue to a finely pulverulent condition is accomplished, and the final expressing of the fine gangue particles from the concentrates is carried to a conclusion. Ultimately, the fine-mesh gangue particles and the concentrates are, by the washing action of the water, the centrifugal action of the rotary disk, and the reciprocating action of the upper presser-plate, carried beyond the periphery of the rotary disk, and, following the annular trough 17, are washed out through the discharge-spout 19, ready to pass to the tables or other concentrate separating devices.

It will be noted that the inward and in ward slope of the inner edge-faces of the intermediate plate-sections 23 and outer plate-sections 28 serve to insure a continuation of the progress of the materials toward the periphery of the member B. Also, it will be noted that the edgesurfaces of said plate-sections are of suliicient size or extent along the incline to prevent materials from working wholly up through the spaces between'the plate-sections. Again, it may be stated that the beveled. contour of the lower orifice of the feed-channel 29 insures the ore-pieces, even though the lumps may be of considerable size, passing with facility between the members C and B. The gradual reduction of the ore is begun beneath the central plate-section 23, and the reduction is carried on progressively as the material is advanced toward the periphery of the member B.

In the illustration given, power is communicated to the rotary member l3 and the reciprocatory member C from a shaft &1. The shaft 41 is equipped with a sprocketwheel d2 which is connected by a sprocketchain l8 to asocket-wheel 44: on the shaft 15. Another set of sprocket-wheels s2 and is adapted to receive the chain 453, afford provision for varying the speed-ratio of the shafts l1 and 15. The shaft 41 is equipped with a disk l5, which, as shown in Fig. 4, carries an adjustable crank or wrist-pin 46. The wrist-pin or crank 46 is connected by a pitman t? to the adjacent member of the hexagonal frame 20. It will be understood, therefore, that the throw of the reciprocatory member C may be adjusted as desired; also, that the ratio of the oscillations or complete reciprocations of the member 0 with respect to the rotations of the disk B may be adjusted according to necessity. rrcljustments in the parts noted are desirable to regulate the work of a machine according to the character of the ore being treated. Thus, where the ore is of a. very friable, easily-reduced character, adjustment is so made as to cause the materials to undergo the requisite rolling action and pass beyond the periphery of the rotary disk with great expedition. Thus, the output of the machine can be increasedwherever the friable character of the ore renders possible a quick reduction with a consequent quick. pellet-forming operation up on the metalliferous minerals. On the other hand, where the ore is more refractory, it is necessary to subject it to a more prolonged rolling action between the extended surfaces, and the machine is adjusted accordingly to cause the discharge of the materials over the edge of the rotary disk only after the necessary reducing action has taken place.

The bearings 22 may be of any suitable form. As shown in Fig. 3, they are preferably provided with horizontal rollers 22 upon which the members 21 rest, and vertical rollers 22 adapted to confine the guidemembers 21 laterally, as shown in Fig. 1. This leaves the frame 20 free to adjust itself, while confining it sufficiently to insure proper reciprocation and to prevent the frame from being turned by the rotation of the disk B. The plate-sections of the member C rest upon the rotary table or disk B and are free to move vertically with respect to the frame C, as has been indicated.

In operation, power is applied to the machine through a pulley 48, the power being taken from any suitable source. Power is communicated through the chain d3 to the shaft 15 which serves to rotate the disk B; and a reciprocating movement is imparted to the member C through the medium of the crank 46 and pitman 4.7. The ore, preferably in the form of small. lumps, or if desired, in quite finely divided fern is fed through the hopper 31 and the central plate-section 23 of the member C. Water is admitted at the same time, by preference. The reciprocatory member C serves as a distributing member and as pressure-member. As the distribution occurs, the reduction of the size of the ore-lumps is begun, and this reduction in size is progressively carried on as the materials are advanced toward the periphery of the rotary disk 1 The centrifugal force developed by the disk B and also the washing action of the water, tend to advance the materials toward the periphery of the rotary disk. The flow of water and the rotation of the disk are adjusted to suit the character of the ore being treated. As the operation is carried on, the plate-sections 23, and 23 of the reciprocatory member C ride upon the pieces or particles of ore, and the ore-pieces are subjected to a rolling or twisting action between the extended fiat surfaces of the reciprocatory and rotary members. under pressure, the weight of the upper plate-sections being adjusted according to the character of the ore being treated. the ore-lumps are subjected to the contin uous softening action of the water and to attrition due to the action of the recipro catory and rotary members and also to the mutual attrition of the ore-lumps; and at The friable gangue constituents of i icc the same time, the fine metal particles from the ore-lumps are pressed and rolled together, while the friable gangue constituents are being disintegrated and expressed from the metal slugs or pellets which are being formed. Also, the pellets formed by the rolling action serve, in turn, to break up the finer ore particles and agglomerate the metal particles thereof with the metal pellets. Thus, the rocky matrices which hold the 'metal particles are gradually broken down, and as the metal particles are freed, theyare agglomerated with other I particles andrmetal pellets, so that in the end there results a concentrate comprising innumerable metal slugs, rodlets and pellets, but always in a granular form, or equivalent form, in which they are readily concentratable by any approved concentrating device." It may be added that the lumps and pellets operate like ball-bearings between the reciprocatory and rotary members, thus reducing the friction, so that the machine actually ope ates under load with the expenditure of less power than when the machine is empty. It is noted, also, thatras the rolling action progresses, the

pieces are rolled in ever-changing direction;

, occur in the rocky matrix.

Car

The feature of employing a composite reciprocatory pressure-plate like that illustrated is of much importance for various reasons. This expedient provides for the independent riding of each plate-section over the materials passing beneath it, so that the plates can adjust themselves to the varying dimensions of the pieces passing beneath them. On the other hand, a certain continuity of the composite plate is provided for by the employment of the sloping edges, which, while permitting a desirable, independent movement, operate to prevent any radical displacement of the plate-sections with relation to each other. Another advantage incident to the use of the independent plate-sections is that it permits the ready removal and replacement of the plate sections, according to necessity. The plate sections may be composed of ordinary cast iron, or chilled iron, or steel. An advantage which the improved machine possesses is that these plate sections may be produced.

plate-sections insures that the materials shall manner, subjecting the working surfaces to tremendous blows which the bestmaterials which can possibly .be employed in such ma-- chines are unable to withstand. Not only does the present invention reduce the-cost of maintenance in milling operations, but it also very greatly reduces the cost of installation, since the very expensive steam stamps which are now commonly employed in treating cupriferous ores, for illustration, are rendered wholly unnecessary in reducing finely impregnated rock; and regrinding mills may be largely, if not wholly, dispensed with. i

It may be added here that the ore may be advantageously prepared for passing through the machine herein illustrated by using first an ordinary j aw-crusher to operate upon the large lumps as they come from the mine, and then using rolls to reduce the lumps to comparatively small size, ranging from thesize of wheat to say or 1 inch size. If, however, it is desired to use the machine to operate upon tailings which have resulted from previous milling operations, and which contain high-enough metal values to warrant their re-milling, the tailings may be passed directly through the improved machine, which w1ll operate as a concentratepreparing machine, and will reduce the rolled into form suitable for ready concentrationu Fig. 6 shows a modified form'of one of the intermediate plate-sections of the reciprocatory member C. This plate-section is designated 23 and differs from the intermediate plate-sections 23 in that it is provided with a vertical feed-channel 23 ,zthus making provision for feeding materials through the intermediate plate-sections. Such an expedient may be employed where the ore to be operated upon is of a very friable nature, so that it will be unnecessary that the materials being treated shall be subjected to very prolonged rolling action.

Hence, in some instances, the capacity of the machine may be increased by employing auxiliary feed passages 23 at points removed from the axis of the member C.

It is noteworthy that the pressure-members of the machine have what may be termed extended area-contact surfaces between which the ore is rub-rolled in ever changing directions as the surfaces shiftingly slide with relation to each other while the area-contact is maintained, so that the minerals will be freed and pellet-formed, that is, the mineral-pelleting action will occur. To this end, the pressure-members are so disposed, proportioned and cooperatively moved, while maintaining substantially an extended area-contact, as to effect the desired preparation of the concentrate and finally discharge the materials with the gangue in finely pulverulent condition and the minerals in readily concentratable form. It is evident that by controlling the washing action of the water through the machine, control of the output may be regulated to a considerable extent without changing the speed of the machine; also, the de gree of comminution of the ore may be regulated in the same way. The upper pressure-member may be regarded as one having a floatin central section encircled by a body floatable independently of the central section. In the illustration given, gravity gives the desired pressure between the floating sections and the revolving disk. From 2, it will be understood that the inner or advance edge (ed e first encountering orepieces) of each floating plate is. beveled, or undercut, the slope being inwardly and upwardly, so that each floating section of the upper presser-member will ride over the material as it is encountered. The improved machine may be used advantageously for re ,ducing various ores to a fine degree of comminution, leaving the minerals in sufficiently granularform to enable concentration to be effected with a high degree of saving. Moreover, the machine is economical in operation from the standpoint of power employed in efiecting comminution of the ore.

The weight of the floating plate-sections should be sufficiently great to effect a quick but gradual reduction of the ore-pieces, and such gradual reduction should result from the turning or rotating of the ore-pieces between the surfaces of the upperand lower pressure-members. It follows that it is desirable to avoid such excessive pressure as might result in a sheer crushing of the material without the constant turning of the particles which is desirable. A pressure of from eighty pounds to one hundred and twenty pounds per square foot, depending upon the nature of the ore, has been used with excellent results; and, in a machine having a six-foot disk, it has been found desirable to employ a speed of from thirty to fifty revolutions-per minute, or upwarc, while employing a stroke of from eight to twelve inches for the upper pressure-member, the upper pressure member making from thirty to fifty complete (forward and back) reciprocations per minute. The weight of the upper plate-sections, the speed of the machine, the length of stroke and the ratio of reciprocations to rotations may vary, but the best results for any given class of ore may be readily determined in view of the foregoing explanation of the invention.

The construction described is simple, cheap, very efficient, and easy of maintenance. It provides for ready adjustment to suit varying conditions. The embodiment illustrated is shown by way of preference only, however; and the foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding. Hence, no unnecessary limitation should be understood, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

What I regard as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a pair of gangue-pulverizing mineral-pelleting pressure-members havmg substantially smooth extended area-contact surfaces, one of said members being a floating member, means for relatively reciprocating and rotating said members, and means for feeding ore-pieces between said surfaces, said members so disposed, proportioned and cooperatively geared as to support and roll said orepieces between them, finely pulverize the gangue, pellet-form the metals and discharge the materials with the concentrate thus prepared.

2. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a lower member having substantially flat upper surface, means for rotating said member, an upper floating distribution and pressuremember having a substantially flat lower surface adjacent said first-named surface, means for reciprocating said upper member, and means enabling ore-pieces to be fed through said upper member and between said surfaces, said members so disposed, proportioned and cocperatively geared as to support and roll the ore, free and pelletform the minerals, and discharge the materials.

3. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a pair of gangue-pulverizing, mineral-pelleting pressure-members having extended area-contact surfaces adapted to be maintained in extended area-contact while being relatively shifted, one of said members being a floatin g member, means for feeding ore between said surfaces, and means for imparting relative shlftmg and sliding movement to said members, said members being so disposed,

proportioned and cooperatively geared as to support and roll the ore between them in ever-changing directions, pellet the metals in the ore, and discharge the materials with theconcentrate thus prepared from between said surfaces.

4. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-prepar ing machine, the combination of a pair of gangue-pulverizing, 'metal-pelleting pressure-members, one of said members having an upwardly presented extended area-contact surface adapted to support the ore, and the other member being a surmounting floating member having a cooperating extended area-contact surface, means for feeding ore and water through the upper mem ber, means for moving the lower member,

and means for reciprocating said upper feeding means and Water-feeding means,

equipped with means forregulating the water-flow, of a pair of gangue-pulverizing mineral-pelleting pressure members having smooth, extended area-contact surfaces adapted to be maintained extended areacontact while being relatively shifted, one of said members being-a floating-member, means for imparting relatively shifting, sliding movementfto said members, said members being so disposed, proportioned and cooperatively geared as to support and roll the ore between them, pellet the minerals, and discharge the materials with the concentrate thus prepared from between said surfaces, and means receiving and collecting the discharged materials.

6. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination with orerfeeding means and water-feeding means, having means for regulating the water flow,

- of a pair of gangue-pulverizing, mineralpelleting pressure-members, one of said members having an upwardly presented extended area-contact surface adapted to support the ore, and the other member being a surmounting. floating member having a cooperating extended area-contact surface and having also a passage through which the ore and water are admitted between said surfaces. means for rotating the lower memlier, and meansforrreciprocating sald upper member, said members substantially maintaining said area-contact during relative movement and being proportioned, disposed and cooperatively geared to roll the ore between them, pellet form the minerals gangue-pulverizing, mineral-pelleting pressure-members havlng extended, substantially flat adjacent surfaces, means for varying the ratio between the rotations and reciprocations of said members, and means enabling ore-pieces to be fed between said surfaces, said members so disposed, proportioned and cooperatively geared as to sup port and roll the ore between them, free and materials. 7

8. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a pair of relatively-reciprocating, relatively-rotating pressure-1nembers having substantially smooth adjacent surfaces, means for varying the throw of the reciprocating member, and means enabling ore-pieces to be fed between said surfaces, said members so disposed, proportioned and cooperatively geared as to support and roll the ore, freeandpellet forlm the minerals and discharge the materia s. I

9. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a lower rotary disk having a substantially flat upper surface, and an upper reciprocating distributer and pressuremember having a floating central section and an encircling pellet-form the minerals and discharge the body floatable independently of the central.

section.

10. In an ore reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a. lower rotary disk, and a surmounting, reciprocating distributer and pressure-member'having an ore-passage therethrough,

able floating sections, for the purpose set forth.

11. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-presaid last- I named member comprising relatively mov V paring machine, the combination of a lower rotary disk,,a surmounting, reciprocating distributer and pressure-member having an 1 floating of the frame with relation to said disk. 7

12. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination of a lower rotary disk, and a surmounting, reciprocating pres--.

sure-member comprising relatively movable floating sections of varying weight per square inch, said members being disposed, proportioned and cooperatively geared to support and roll the materials between them in ever-chap ging direction and effect gradual reduction of the materials.

13. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a lower rotary disk, and a surmounting, reciprocating distributor and pressure-member comprising relatively movable floating sections, one of the sections having an ore-passage therethrough, said members so disposed, proportioned and cooperatively geared as to support and roll the ore, reduce the gangue to pulverulent form and prepare the concentrate, for the purpose set forth.

1%. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a pair of relatively-rotating, relatively-reciprocating pressure-members, having substantially fiat adjacent surfaces, one of said members comprising an angular frame and a plurality of relatively movable floating plate-sections therein, one of said sections having an ore-passage therethrough, said members cooperating to reduce the gangue to pulverulent form and prepare the concentrate, for the purpose set forth.

15. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a lower rotary member having a substantially flat upper surface, and a surmounting, reciproeating pressure-member and distributer having a substantially fiat lower surface, said second-named member comprising a plurality of relatively movable floating sections having their inner edge faces beveled for the purpose set forth.

16. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a lower rotary disk having a substantially fiat upper surface, and a surmounting, reciprocat ing pressure-member having a substantially flat lower surface, said last-named member comprising a floating central section and other relatively movable floating sections grouped about the central section, said members cooperating to reduce the gangue to pulverulent form and prepare the concentrate, and discharge the materials, with the gangue in such pulverulent form and the concentrate thus prepared, from between said members.

1'2. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-proparing machine, the combination of a rotating lower disk having a substantially fiat upper surface, and a surmounting, reciprocating distributor and pressure-member resting on said disk, said second-named member compri an inner angular section provided w ith an ore-passage, a plurality of intermediate sections grouped about the inner section, and a plurality of sections grouped about the intermediate sections,

said sections being relatively movable floating sections, and said members cooperating to reduce the gangue to pulverulent form, free the minerals and discharge the materials from between said surfaces.

18. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination of a lower rotary disk, and a surmounting, reciprocating distributer and pressure-member, comprising an angular central section provided with an ore-passage, a plurality of relatively movable intermediate sections encircling the central section and having outer edges forming an annular periphery, and a plurality of relatively movable sections encircling the intermediate sections, said third-named sections having reentrant angles conforming to the angles of the perimeter formed by the outer edges of the intermediate sections.

19. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a rotary lower member having a substantially flat upper surface, and a surmounting, reciprocating distributer and pressure-member having a substantially flat lower surface, said second-named member comprising a central section provided with ore-passage, encircling intermediatesections, and sections encircling the intermediate sections, said sections being relatively movable and the joints between the intermediate sections being staggered with relation to the joints between the third-named sections.

20. in an ore-reducing, concentrate-pre paring machine, the combination of a rotary lower member, and a surmounting, reciproeating distributor and pressure-member, said second-named member comprising a central section provided with beveled edges and provided also with an ore-passage, and independently floatable sections encircling the central section and provided with upwardly and inwardly sloping inner edges, said members cooperating to reduce the gangue to pulverulent form, prepare the concentrate in the manner specified, and discharge the materials from between said surfaces.

21. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-pre paring machine, the combination of a rotary lower member, and a surmounting, reciproeating distributer and pressure-member comi prising acentral section provided with an ore-passage and having inwardly and upwardly sloping edges, independently floatable intermediate sections having inwardly and upwardly sloping inner and outer edges, and independently lioatable sections grouped about said intermediate sections and having inwardly and upwardly sloping inner edges, said members cooperating reduce the gangue to pulverulent form.

In a machine of the cha acter set forth, the combination of a Z member and a surmountmg, reciprocating distributer and pressuremember, comprising a central section having a feed-passageand provided with inwardly and up wardly sloping edges, independently floatable intermediate sections having inwardly and upwardly sloping inner and outer edges, independently floatable outer sections having inwardly and upwardly sloping inner edges and provided with re'elntrant angles conforming to the angles formedby the intermediate sections, said intermediate sectlons having 811Cl]0111i3S staggered with relation to the end joints of the outer sections.

28. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-pre also, floating of the frame, for the purpose set forth.

24. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a pair of relatively-moving pressure-members having substantially flat adjacent extended areacontact surfaces, one of said pressure-members comprising a plurality of independently floating sections adapted to prevent passage of the ore, except as it is reduced between said extended area-contact surfaces,

and means enabling ore-lumps to be fed between said surfaces, said members so disposed, proportioned and cooperatively geared as to support and roll the ore-lumps, reduce the gangue to pulverulent form, free the metal particles and roll them into slug or pellet form, and discharge the materials, with the gangue in pulverulent form and the concentrate thus prepared, from between said surfaces.

25. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a pair of relatively-moving pressure-members having substantially flat adjacent extended area-contact surfaces, one of said members comprising a plurality, of independently floating sections with an ore-passage through one of the sections, said sections adapted to prevent passage of the ore except as it is reduced between said area-contact surfaces, said members cooperating to effect gradual reduction of the ore-lumps, reduce the gangue to pulverulent form, free the metal particles and roll them into slug or pellet form, and discharge the materials, with the gangue in pulverulent form and the concentrate thus prepared, from between said surfaces.

26. In anore-reducing, concentrate-pre paring -mach1ne,thecombmation of a' palr' of relatively-moving pressure-members having substantially smooth adjacent surfaces, means enabling ore-pieces to be fed between saidsurfaces, one of said members being dis posed and adapted to support the ore-pieces thereon, and the other of saidmembers comprising a plurality of relatively movable floating plate sections grouped-and adapted to prevent passage of the ore except as it is reduced beneath said plate sections, said members proportioned and cooperatively geared'to reduce the gangue to pulverulent form, free the metal particles and roll them into slug or pellet form, and discharge the materials, with the gangue in pulverulent form and the concentrate thus prepared, from between said surfaces.

27. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a lower disk having a substantially flat horizontal upper surface, means for rotating said disk, a surmounting, floating distributer and pressure-member having a substantially flat lower surface, means for reciprocating said surmounting member through such traverse that its edges move beyond the edges of said disk, and means whereby ore-pieces may be fed between said surfaces.

28. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a pair I of relatively-moving upper and lower pressure-members, the lower member having an upwardly-presented, substantially flat surface, and the upper member comprising a plurality of concentric groups of independ ently floating plate sections having flat sur faces resting upon the lower member, said plate-sections adapted to prevent'passage of the ore except as it is reduced between the loo upper and lower pressure members, the V,

outer ones of said sections having av greater weight per square inch of lower surface than the inner sections. a 1

29. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination .of a pair of relatively moving upper andalower pres sure members, the lower member having an upwardly presented substantially smooth surface, and the upper member comprising a plurality of rows of independently floating plate-sections resting upon the lower member, and having undercut advance edges, the joints between the plate-sections of one row being so staggered with relation to the joints between the 'plate-sections of another row as to prevent passage of the ore except as it is reduced between said pressure-members, and means for feeding orepieces and water between the pressuremembers' 30. In a machine of the character set -forth, the combination of a lower ore-sup porting member having a smooth upper surface, means for imparting movement to said,

member, a surmounting distributer and pressure-member having a smooth lower surface and comprising a plurality of independently float-able plates having undercut advance edges to facilitate the passage of ore beneath them, means enabling ore to be fed between said surfaces, and means for reciprocating said last-named member.

31. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination of a lower ore-supporting member having a smooth upper surface, means for imparting movement to said .member, and a surmounting, reciprocating distributer and pressure-member having an ore-passage therethrough, said last-named member comprising relatively movable floating sections, for the purpose-set forth.

In a machine of the character set forth, the combination of a lower member having a substantially fiat upper surface, a surmounting distributer and pressure-1nem ber having an ore-passage therethrough, said last-named-member comprising concentric groups of relatively movable floating plates, the joints between the plates of one group being staggered with relation to the joints between the plates of another group, and means for imparting relative reciprocating and rotating movements to said members.

33. In an ore-reducing concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a pair of relatively-rotating, relatively-reciprocating pressure-members, having substantially smooth adjacent surfaces, one of said members comprising a frame and a plurality of relatively movable floating plate sections therein having undercut advance edges, one of said plate sections having an orepassage therethrough, said members cooperating to reduce the gangue to pulverulent form and prepare the concentrate.

34. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination of a lower rotary member presenting a smooth upper surface, and an upper reciprocating pressure-member presenting a substantially smooth lower surface and comprising rows of relatively movable floating plate sections having undercut advance edges, the joints between the plate sections of one row being staggered with relation to the joints between the plate sections of another row, for the purpose set forth.

In a machine of the character set forth the combination of a lower ore-supporting member having a smooth upper surface, an upper distributer and pressuremember comprising a plurality of independently floatable plate sections having smooth lower surfaces resting on said first named member, said sections having undercut advance edges and being arranged to prevent passage of the ore except as it is concentrate as it is discharged from between said surfaces and discharging the same from the machine.

36. In a machine of the character set forth the combination of a lower ore-supporting member, means for imparting motion thereto, an upper distributer and pressure member comprising independently floating sections arranged about a common center and undercut at their inner edges and arranged to prevent passage of the ore except as it is reduced between the adjacent surfaces of said members, said secondnamed member having a central feed passage, means for shifting said second-named member with relation to said first-named member, ore'feeding means and water feeding means discharging into said central feed passage, and means for collecting and discharging the gangue and concentrate from the machine.

37. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination of a lower rotary ore-supporting member having a smooth upper surface, an upper distributer and pressure member comprising a plurality of independently floatable sections having smooth lower surfaces resting on said firstnamed member, said sections being arranged and adapted to prevent escape of the ore except as it is ground between said surfaces, means for shifting the upper member with relation to the lower member, said sections of the upper member being arranged and constructed to overcome the tendency to rotate With the lower member, means for feeding ore to the machine and means for collecting the gangue and concentrate when discharged from between said surfaces.

38. In an ore-reducing, concentrateprepaling machine, the combination of a pair of gangue-pulverizing mineral-pelleting, pressure members having substantially smooth extended area-contact surfaces, one of said members being a fi'oating member comprising a plurality of independently floatable plate-sections, means for relatively reciprocating and rotating said members, and means for feeding ore-pieces and water between said surfaces, said members so disposed, proportioned and cooperatively geared as to support and roll said orepieces between them, finely pulverize the gangue, pellet-form the minerals and discharge the material with the concentrate thus prepared.

39. In an ore-reducing, concentrate-preparing machine, the combination of a lower rotating disk having a substantially smooth upper surface, and a surmounting reciproeating pressure-member having'a substanwith thegangue in such pulverulent'form I -tially smooth lower surface, said last-named and the concentrate thus prepared froni be- 13' 1 member comprising a plurality of annularly tween said members. 7' v r arranged rows: of vindependently floatin I p 5 plate-sections, supported on the rotary'dislz S T said members cooperating to reduce the In-presenceof-+ gangue to pulverulent form and prepare'the J. G. ANDERSON, concentrate and discharge the materials, O. C. AVISUS.

I Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, 7

7 Washington, D. G. 

